The moment is right to switch Manchester United's formation - Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.

"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.

"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.

"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.

"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."

Squad Challenges Persist

With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will increase if midfielder 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 clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel

While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.