The moment is optimal to change Manchester United's formation - Ruben Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.

"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.

"When the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.

"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."

Availability Crisis Continue

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

He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless 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 a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Role Remains

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.