Time is ripe to change Manchester United's formation - the manager insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.

"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.

"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.

"When you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.

"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.

"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."

Availability Crisis Continue

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

He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails 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 miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes 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 born leader. He is a leader."

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.