Time is optimal to change Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager states.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.

"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.

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

"When media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.

"We are going to develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."

Squad Issues Continue

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

He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Endures

However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen 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 offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Players

While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.