Now is ripe to switch Manchester United's system - Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.

While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.

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

"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.

"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."

Availability Challenges Continue

Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.

"The guy 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 always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.