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

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

While he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.

However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.

"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.

"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.

"Whenever media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

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

"We will grow into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."

Squad Challenges Loom Large

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

He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."

The Captain's Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.