Time is right to alter Man Utd's system - Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.

However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.

"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.

"When the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.

"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."

Injury Crisis Continue

With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.