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

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

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play 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 appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.

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

"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.

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

"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.

"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."

Squad Challenges Persist

Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue 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 vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.