The moment is optimal to alter Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.

"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.

"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to change.

"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."

Squad Crisis Persist

Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Role Remains

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.

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

"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Players

Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.