Now is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.

"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.

"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.

"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."

Injury Issues Loom Large

With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Leadership Remains

However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.