Time is right to alter Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.

"When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.

"This will help us become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."

Squad Crisis Persist

Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

The Captain's Role Remains

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even 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. The guy is a true captain."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.