The moment is ripe to alter Manchester United's formation - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.

"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.

"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.

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

"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other 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 continental duty.