The moment is right to alter Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

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

"When you talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.

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

"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."

Injury Issues Loom Large

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

He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.

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

"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.