The moment is right to change Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.

"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.

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

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.

"We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use a back three in every match."

Availability Crisis Loom Large

Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Role Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.

"He is a 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 speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.