Now is ripe to alter Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his plan.

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

"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.

"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.

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

"Whenever the press talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.

"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."

Squad Challenges Loom Large

With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.

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

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.