The moment is right to change Manchester United's system - Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.

"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.

"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.

"We will become a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."

Squad Challenges Continue

Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.

He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Influence Remains

However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "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 is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.