Time is optimal to change Manchester United's formation - Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.

"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.

"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.

"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."

Availability Issues Continue

Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view 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 leader to continue providing insight.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.