The moment is optimal to alter Man Utd's system - Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.

"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.

"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.

"When you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.

"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."

Squad Challenges Persist

With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed 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 insight.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."

Return Timeline for Injured Players

Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.