The moment is optimal to alter Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

While he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.

"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.

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

"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to change.

"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."

Availability Issues Continue

Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably 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 warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.