The moment is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim states.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.

"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.

"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.

"When the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.

"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.

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

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.