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

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.

Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.

"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.

"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

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

"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.

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

"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."

Injury Challenges Loom Large

With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.

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

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.