The moment is right to switch Man Utd's formation - the manager declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are changing.

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

"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.

"We will become a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."

Injury Challenges Loom Large

With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.

"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.