Time is ripe to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim states.

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

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.

"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.

"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.

"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.

"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.

"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."

Injury Crisis Persist

Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Endures

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.