Now is right to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.

"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.

"Whenever media criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.

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

"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."

Availability Challenges Persist

Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Influence Remains

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.