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

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.

"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

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

"When you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.

"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."

Availability Challenges Continue

Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain 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 make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Endures

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas 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 is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

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