Now is optimal to alter Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.

"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.

"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.

"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."

Injury Challenges Persist

With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.

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

"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."

Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel

While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.