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

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.

"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.

"Whenever you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.

"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."

Availability Crisis Loom Large

With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.

He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

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

The Captain's Role Remains

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.