The moment is ripe to alter Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.

"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.

"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.

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

"When media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.

"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."

Availability Issues Continue

Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

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

The Captain's Leadership Endures

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Players

Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.