Time is ripe to alter Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager states.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Although he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.

Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.

"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

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

"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.

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

"This will help us grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.

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

"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel

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