Time is right to switch Manchester United's formation - Ruben Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.

Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.

"Whenever you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.

"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."

Injury Issues Loom Large

Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Influence Remains

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

Although the specific 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, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.