Now is optimal to change Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.

However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.

"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.

"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.

"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."

Availability Challenges Continue

With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."

Return Timeline for Key Players

Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.