Time is ripe to change Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"When I came 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 stated.

"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.

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

"When you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.

"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."

Availability Crisis Loom Large

With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

The Captain's Influence Remains

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Key Players

While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.