The moment is optimal to change Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.

However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.

"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

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

"When you talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.

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

"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."

Availability Crisis Continue

Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.

He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.

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

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.