The moment is ripe to switch Manchester United's formation - Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.

However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.

"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.

"Whenever the press talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.

"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

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

Fernandes' Influence Remains

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Players

Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.