Time is right to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.

"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.

"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.

"When the press talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.

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

"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."

Availability Challenges Loom Large

Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.

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

The Captain's Role Endures

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch 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 anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars 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 duty.