The moment is ripe to change Man Utd's formation - the manager states.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.

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

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.

"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.

"Whenever media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.

"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit 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 let him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads 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 leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Injured 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 - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.