Time is ripe to switch Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

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

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.

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

"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

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

"We will become a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."

Availability Crisis Continue

With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

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

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Role Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Players

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