Now is ripe to change Man Utd's formation - the manager declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.

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

Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.

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

"When media discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

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

"This will help us develop into a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."

Squad Issues Continue

Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Key Players

While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.