Now is ripe to switch Manchester United's system - the manager declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.

"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.

"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.

"We will develop into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.

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

The Captain's Leadership Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch 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 anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of 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 specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.