Time is right to change Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.

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

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

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

"We will become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."

Availability Crisis Continue

With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Role Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.