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

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.

"When the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.

"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."

Squad Crisis Persist

With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That figure 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 a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after 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. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Players

Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.