Time is ripe to switch Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.

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

"When the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.

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

Injury Crisis Persist

Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

The Captain's Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players 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.