The moment is optimal to alter Man Utd's formation - Amorim insists.

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

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.

However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.

"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

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

"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.

"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."

Squad Challenges Continue

With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.

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

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno 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 write that."

The Captain's Leadership Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable 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 competition.