Time is right to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.

"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.

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

"When you discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.

"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."

Injury Issues Loom Large

With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Role Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.

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

"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.