The moment is right to switch Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

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

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.

"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.

"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."

Squad Issues Loom Large

With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Injured Players

While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.