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

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.

Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.

"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.

"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.

"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."

Squad Challenges Continue

Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Remains

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted 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 guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."

Return Timeline for Injured Players

While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.