Now is ripe to change Manchester United's formation - the manager states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.

"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.

"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.

"Whenever you criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.

"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."

Injury Issues Persist

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

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.