The moment is optimal to switch Manchester United's formation - Ruben Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.

"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.

"Whenever media talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

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

"This will help us become a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."

Injury Issues Loom Large

Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.

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

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars 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 duty.