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

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

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

While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.

However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.

"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.

"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.

"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."

Availability Issues Persist

With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Leadership Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.