The moment is right to alter Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.

However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.

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

"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.

"When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

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

"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."

Squad Issues Loom Large

Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

The Captain's Role Remains

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.