Time is right to change Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

While he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.

"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.

"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.

"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.

"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."

Squad Issues Continue

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

He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."

Return Timeline for Injured Players

While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.