Now is ripe to alter Manchester United's system - Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.

"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.

"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.