Now is optimal to change Manchester United's formation - Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.

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

"When media talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.

"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."

Squad Issues Persist

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

He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured 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 expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.