Now is right to alter Manchester United's formation - the manager declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.

Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.

"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.

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

"When the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.

"This will help us become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."

Availability Issues Continue

Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Role Endures

However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

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