Now is optimal to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

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

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.

While he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.

"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.

"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."

Squad Challenges Persist

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

He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. 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 job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.