Now is right to alter Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.

"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.

"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.

"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."

Injury Issues Loom Large

Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.

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

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Key Players

While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.