Time is ripe to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.

"When media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.

"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."

Squad Issues Persist

With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Remains

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.