The moment is right to change Man Utd's formation - the manager states.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.

"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.

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

"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."

Injury Crisis Persist

Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.