The moment is right to alter Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.

"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.

"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.

"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.

"We are going to become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."

Squad Challenges Continue

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

He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

The Captain's Role Endures

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.