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

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.

"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.

"When media talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to change.

"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."

Availability Crisis Loom Large

Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players 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 knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

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

"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Players

While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.