The moment is ripe to change Manchester United's formation - the manager declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.

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

By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.

"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.

"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.

"When media criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.

"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."

Injury Issues Loom Large

Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit 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 let him to return after his muscle injury.

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

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

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