The moment is right to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager states.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.

"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.

"Whenever you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think 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 change.

"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."

Availability Challenges Loom Large

Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players 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 continue providing insight.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.