The moment is right to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.

Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.

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

"When media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.

"We will develop into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."

Injury Crisis Persist

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

He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other 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 competition.