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

Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.

"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.

"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.

"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.

"This will help us become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."

Injury Challenges Loom Large

Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.

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

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly 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 strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.

"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.