Time is optimal to switch Manchester United's formation - the manager insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.

"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.

"When the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.

"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."

Injury Issues Continue

With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

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

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.