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

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.

"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.

"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.

"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."

Availability Issues Loom Large

Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

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

The Captain's Role Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, 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 carry on offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.