Time is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.

"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.

"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."

Squad Crisis Loom Large

Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Remains

However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.