Now is ripe to alter Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.

While he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.

"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.

"When you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.

"We are going to become a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."

Squad Issues Persist

With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. 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. He is a leader."

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.