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

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.

However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.

"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.

"Whenever media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to change.

"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."

Availability Challenges Continue

Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.

"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. 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 job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.