Time is right to alter Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim states.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.

"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

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

"Whenever media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.

"We are going to become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."

Availability Challenges Loom Large

With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced 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 understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Key Players

While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars 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 continental duty.