Time is ripe to change Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.

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

Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.

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

"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.

"We will develop into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."

Squad Challenges Loom Large

Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

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

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Remains

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.

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

"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Players

While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.