Now is ripe to alter Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.

By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.

"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.

"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.

"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."

Injury Challenges Persist

With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock 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, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.

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

Fernandes' Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.