The moment is optimal to alter Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

While he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.

"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.

"Whenever media talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.

"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."

Squad Issues Continue

Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Role Endures

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel

Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.