The moment is optimal to switch Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.

However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.

"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.

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

"Whenever you criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to change.

"We are going to become a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."

Availability Crisis Persist

Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.