The moment is ripe to change Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.

However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.

"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.

"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.

"This will help us become a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."

Availability Crisis Loom Large

Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.

He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Role Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads 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 true captain."

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable 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.