The moment is right to change Manchester United's formation - Ruben Amorim states.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.

"The goal was to build an style. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.

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

"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.

"This will help us grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."

Availability Challenges Persist

With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.