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

Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.

However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.

"We were trying to build an style. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.

"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.

"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.

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

Injury Challenges Continue

Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not 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 flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.