The moment is optimal to switch Manchester United's system - Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

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

Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.

"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.

"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.

"Whenever media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.

"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."

Injury Issues Continue

Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

The Captain's Role Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.

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

"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.