Now is optimal to alter Manchester United's formation - Amorim states.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.

"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.

"When the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.

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

"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."

Squad Crisis Continue

With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

The Captain's Influence Endures

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things 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."

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.