The moment is right to change Man Utd's tactical setup - Amorim states.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.

However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.

"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.

"When media talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.

"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."

Availability Crisis Loom Large

Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted 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 providing insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

"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 specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.