The moment is right to switch Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim states.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.

"When the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.

"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."

Injury Challenges Continue

With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.