Time is right to alter Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.

"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.

"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.

"This will help us become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."

Availability Issues Persist

With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already saying 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' Influence Endures

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

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

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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.