Time is ripe to switch Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.

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

"When media criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.

"We will develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."

Squad Crisis Loom Large

With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Role Remains

However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.

"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.