The moment is ripe to change Manchester United's formation - Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.

"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.

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

"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.

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

"This will help us become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."

Squad Crisis Continue

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

He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails 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 match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.

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

"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.