The moment is ripe to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.

"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.

"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.

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

"When the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.

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

Availability Issues Loom Large

Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.