Time is optimal to switch Manchester United's formation - Ruben Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.

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

"Whenever media criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.

"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."

Injury Challenges Continue

Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Remains

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.