The moment is right to change Manchester United's formation - Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.

"We were trying to build an style. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.

"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.

"We will become a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."

Injury Challenges Persist

With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.