Time is right to switch Manchester United's formation - Ruben Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

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

"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.

"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.

"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."

Squad Crisis Continue

With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.