The moment is ripe to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.

While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.

"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.

"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.

"We will become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."

Injury Challenges Loom Large

Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.