Time is optimal to alter Manchester United's formation - the manager declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.

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

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.

"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.

"Whenever you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.

"We are going to become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."

Squad Crisis Continue

With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.

He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That number will rise if playmaker 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 be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.