Now is optimal to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.

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

"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.

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

"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."

Squad Issues Loom Large

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

He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other 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 continental duty.