The moment is optimal to switch Man Utd's formation - the manager insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.

However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.

"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.

"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

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

"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.

"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."

Availability Crisis Loom Large

Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.

He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view 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 anticipates 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 not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.