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

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.

However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.

"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.

"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.

"Whenever you talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.

"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.

"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."

Injury Crisis Continue

Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury 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, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.