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

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.

"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.

"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.

"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."

Injury Issues Continue

With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.