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

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.

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

"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.

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

"Whenever media criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.

"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."

Squad Issues Continue

With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - 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 international competition.