Time is right to change Man Utd's system - the manager declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.

"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

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

"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.

"We will become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."

Availability Issues Persist

With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Role Endures

However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.

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

"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Players

Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.