The moment is ripe to alter Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.

"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.

"When media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.

"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."

Injury Crisis Continue

Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.

He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal 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 reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Role Endures

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.

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

"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.