Time is right to change Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.

"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.

"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.

"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to evolve.

"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."

Squad Challenges Persist

Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.