The moment is optimal to switch Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.

However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.

"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.

"Whenever media talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.

"We will become a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."

Availability Challenges Continue

With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Influence Remains

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."

Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel

While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.