The moment is ripe to change Manchester United's system - the manager insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.

However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.

"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to evolve.

"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."

Injury Crisis Continue

Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.

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

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

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

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

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.