Now is right to switch Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"At the time 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 project," he stated.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.

"When the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.

"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."

Availability Challenges Persist

Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.

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

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

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.