The moment is ripe to switch Manchester United's formation - the manager states.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, 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 came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.

"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.

"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

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

"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."

Squad Issues Continue

With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel

Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.