Now is right to switch Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

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

By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.

"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.

"When the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.

"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."

Squad Crisis Persist

Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the specific date for the captain's comeback - 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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.