Now is optimal to change Manchester United's formation - Ruben Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.

"When the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.

"We will become a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."

Squad Crisis Persist

Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Influence Remains

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.