The moment is optimal to alter Manchester United's system - the manager insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.

"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.

"When the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.

"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."

Injury Challenges Loom Large

Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.

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

"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.