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

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.

"Whenever you criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.

"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."

Injury Challenges Continue

With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Role Remains

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.