Now is right to alter Man Utd's system - Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are changing.

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

"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.

"We are going to become a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."

Availability Challenges Persist

Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock 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 clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.