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

Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.

"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are changing.

"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.

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

"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.

"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."

Injury Issues Continue

With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Players

Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.