The moment is ripe to change Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager states.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.

"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.

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

"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.

"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."

Injury Issues Loom Large

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

He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.

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

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many 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 true captain."

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.