The moment is optimal to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.

"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.

"When media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.

"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."

Availability Issues Continue

With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Remains

However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.