Time is right to switch Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.

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

Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.

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

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.

"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.

"We will become a more complete team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."

Squad Challenges Loom Large

With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

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

Fernandes' Role Endures

However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.

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

"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.