Now is optimal to switch Man Utd's formation - the manager states.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.

"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to change.

"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."

Squad Issues Loom Large

With just 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 injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. 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 true captain."

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.