The moment is right to change Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.

"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.

"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to evolve.

"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

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

"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.

"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.