The moment is right to alter Man Utd's formation - the manager insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.

"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.

"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

The Captain's Role Endures

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.