The moment is right to alter Manchester United's system - the manager states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.

"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, 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 supporters.

"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.

"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."

Squad Challenges Continue

Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Endures

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

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."

Return Schedule for Injured Players

Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.