The moment is optimal to alter Manchester United's formation - Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.

"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.

"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

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

"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.

"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."

Squad Challenges Loom Large

With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.

He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Leadership Remains

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.