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

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

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

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.

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

"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.

"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."

Availability Challenges Persist

Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.

"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable 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 international duty.