Now is optimal to alter Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.

"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.

"When media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.

"We are going to become a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."

Availability Challenges Continue

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

He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," 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 Role Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.