Now is optimal to change Man Utd's system - the manager insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.

"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.

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

"Whenever the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.

"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."

Squad Challenges Loom Large

Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover 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, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Players

While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured 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 competition.