Now is optimal to change Manchester United's formation - Amorim states.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has remained part of his strategy.

However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.

"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

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

"Whenever the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.

"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."

Availability Issues Persist

With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

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

"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering 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 offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.