Now is ripe to change Manchester United's formation - Ruben Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.

However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.

"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

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

"When you talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.

"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."

Injury Issues Persist

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

He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things 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."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.