The moment is right to change Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

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

"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.

"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.

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

"We are going to develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."

Availability Issues Continue

With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

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

Fernandes' Leadership Remains

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not 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 flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.