The moment is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.

While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.

"When the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

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

"We are going to become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."

Availability Crisis Loom Large

Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

The Captain's Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.