Time is optimal to switch Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.

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

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.

"Whenever the press criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.

"We will grow into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."

Squad Challenges Loom Large

With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.

He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Players

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