Time is optimal to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.

"Whenever the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.

"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."

Injury Challenges Persist

With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.

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

"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.