The moment is ripe to change Manchester United's formation - Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.

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

"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.

"When the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.

"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."

Squad Crisis Continue

Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.