Now is right to change Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.

"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

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

"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."

Squad Crisis Loom Large

With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.

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

"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.