Now is ripe to alter Manchester United's formation - the manager insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his plan.

However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.

"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.

"Whenever you criticize altering the formation 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 a disaster for the manager.

"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.

"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Remains

However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Return Schedule for Injured Players

Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.