Now is ripe to switch Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.

"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.

"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.

"When media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.

"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."

Injury Issues Continue

Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.

He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"He 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 constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Injured Players

Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.