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

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.

"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.

"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.

"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."

Squad Challenges Loom Large

With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.

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

"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.