Now is ripe to switch Man Utd's formation - the manager insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.

"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.

"Whenever media talk about changing the system 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 the end for the coach.

"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.

"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."

Squad Challenges Loom Large

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

He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Return Timeline for Key Players

While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.