Now is right to alter Manchester United's tactical setup - Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.

Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.

"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.

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

"When you talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.

"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."

Availability Crisis Continue

Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Role Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a 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 speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

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