The moment is right to switch Manchester United's formation - the manager insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.

"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.

"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.

"We will become a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."

Squad Issues Continue

With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure 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 a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.