The moment is right to change Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.

However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.

"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.

"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."

Injury Crisis Continue

With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.

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

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.