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

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.

Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.

"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.

"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.

"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.

"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."

Availability Issues Persist

With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Influence Remains

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.