Now is right to change Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.

"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.

"This will help us develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."

Availability Issues Continue

With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

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

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

The Captain's Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - 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 duty.