Now is right to alter Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.

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

"When media criticize altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.

"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."

Availability Challenges Persist

Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.

"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.