Time is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

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

"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.

"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."

Squad Challenges Loom Large

With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Players

While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow 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 continental competition.