The moment is right to alter Man Utd's formation - the manager declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.

"When you criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

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

"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."

Squad Issues Loom Large

Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

The Captain's Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.