Time is optimal to alter Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.

"Whenever you talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.

"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."

Squad Challenges Continue

With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

The Captain's Influence Remains

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.

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

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.