Time is optimal to alter Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.

"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.

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

"When media discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.

"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."

Injury Crisis Persist

With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.