The Red Devils' head coach deviated from his back three formation for the first time during Friday's (26.12.25) 1-0 win over Newcastle United, instead going with a traditional back four and two holding midfielders, having previously joked that not even the Pope could convince him to change the way he wants his team to play.

However, he has told reporters: "When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process.

"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.

"It is not because of the pressure of you guys [media], or the fans.

"When you [media] talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager."

He insisted that the right time to change things is with the team "playing well", and he will be able to adapt more when Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

He added: "When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.

"We are going to become a better team because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."

United have seven senior players unavailable for the next game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, including captain Bruno Fernandes.

Amorim admitted: "Bruno is already saying he needs to train. But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

As well as Bruno, the Red Devils have Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire out injured, while Mason Mount is hoping to recover in time for the Wolves game after being taken off at half time against Newcastle.