The moment is optimal to change Man Utd's system - Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

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

By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.

"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.

"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."

Injury Challenges Persist

With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Influence Remains

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even 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 wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Return Timeline for Key Players

Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.