Now is optimal to alter Man Utd's system - Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

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

"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.

"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."

Injury Challenges Continue

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

He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Role Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.