The moment is optimal to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.

"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.

"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

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

"We are going to develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."

Squad Crisis Loom Large

With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock 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 understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.