The moment is optimal to alter Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.

"When you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.

"This will help us develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."

Availability Issues Continue

With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover 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, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.

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

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Players

Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.