Now is optimal to switch Manchester United's system - the manager insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.

By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.

However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.

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

"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.

"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."

Squad Challenges Loom Large

With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

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

The Captain's Influence Endures

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars 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 continental competition.