Now is optimal to alter Man Utd's formation - Ruben Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.

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

"Whenever you talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.

"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."

Squad Challenges Continue

With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to 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 understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars 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 continental competition.