The moment is right to switch Man Utd's formation - the manager declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.

"When the press discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.

"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.

"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.

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

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.