Time is optimal to switch Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.

"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.

"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.

"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.

"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."

Injury Challenges Continue

With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.