The moment is right to change Man Utd's formation - the manager states.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.

While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.

"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.

"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.

"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.

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

"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."

Injury Crisis Persist

With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury 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 let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Remains

However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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