Now is right to switch Manchester United's formation - Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.

Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.

"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.

"When media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.

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

"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."

Squad Challenges Continue

With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.

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

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players 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 continental duty.