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

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

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

"When the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.

"This will help us become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."

Squad Crisis Loom Large

With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

The Captain's Role Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' 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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.