Now is optimal to switch Manchester United's formation - the manager declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.

Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.

"We were trying to build an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.

"Whenever you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.

"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."

Availability Issues Loom Large

With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Remains

However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, 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 anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.