Now is right to alter Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.

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

By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.

"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.

"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.

"When media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.

"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."

Availability Issues Loom Large

With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Players

Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.