Time is optimal to alter Man Utd's system - Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.

While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.

However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.

"Whenever media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.

"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."

Availability Issues Persist

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

He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.