Time is optimal to alter Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

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

"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.

"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.

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

"We will develop into a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."

Squad Crisis Continue

Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Role Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

"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 Key Personnel

Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.