The moment is right to switch Manchester United's formation - the manager insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different setups has remained part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.

"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.

"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.

"We will become a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."

Injury Crisis Persist

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

He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring 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. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.