Time is ripe to switch Manchester United's formation - the manager insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.

Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.

"We were trying to build an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

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

"When you talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.

"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."

Injury Issues Loom Large

Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Key Players

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