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

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

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.

"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.

"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.

"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."

Squad Crisis Loom Large

Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.

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

The Captain's Influence Remains

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not 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.

"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.