Now is optimal to alter Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

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

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.

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

"Whenever the press discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.

"We are going to become a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."

Squad Challenges Persist

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

He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.

"The guy 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 constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.