Time is right to alter Manchester United's formation - Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.

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

"Whenever you talk about altering the system constantly, 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 manager.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.

"We will grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."

Squad Issues Persist

Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.