Now is right to alter Man Utd's system - Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.

While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.

"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

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

"We will become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."

Injury Challenges Loom Large

With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.

He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover 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 reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already insisting 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 Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.

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

"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.