Time is optimal to alter Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.

"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.

"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.

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

"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."

Injury Challenges Continue

Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

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

That total 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.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a natural 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 negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."

Return Timeline for Key Players

Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.