The moment is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.

"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.

"Whenever you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.

"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars 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 providing insight.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. 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 leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other 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.