Now is right to switch Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim states.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.

"Whenever you criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.

"This will help us grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."

Injury Crisis Continue

Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.