Time is optimal to alter Manchester United's formation - Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his plan.

However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.

"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.

"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.

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

"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.

"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.

"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."

Injury Issues Continue

Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable 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 captain to continue offering insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.