The moment is optimal to change Manchester United's formation - Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.

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

By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.

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

"When you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.

"This will help us develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."

Injury Issues Continue

Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Remains

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.