Time is right to change Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.

"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.

"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."

Availability Crisis Persist

With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Influence Remains

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.