The moment is ripe to switch Manchester United's formation - Ruben Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.

"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.

"When media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

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

"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Role Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, 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 is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

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