The moment is optimal to switch Manchester United's formation - the manager declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.

"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.

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

"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.

"We will become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."

Availability Challenges Loom Large

Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.

He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.