Now is right to change Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.

Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.

"We were trying to build an style. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.

"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.

"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."

Availability Challenges Loom Large

Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

The Captain's Influence Remains

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.