The moment is optimal to alter Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.

"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.

"When you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.

"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."

Injury Issues Persist

Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

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

"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."

Return Timeline for Injured Players

While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.