Time is right to alter Man Utd's system - the manager declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.

While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.

"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.

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

"When you discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.

"We will become a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."

Availability Challenges Persist

Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.

He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable 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 clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.

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

"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.