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

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.

"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.

"When media discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

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

"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."

Availability Issues Continue

With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.

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

"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel

While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.