Now is right to alter Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.

"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.

"When you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.

"We are going to become a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."

Injury Issues Continue

Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.