Now is optimal to change Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager states.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.

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

"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

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

"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."

Availability Issues Continue

With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring 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. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.

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

"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.