The moment is optimal to change Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.

"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.

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

"When you discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.

"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

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

He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

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