Time is optimal to alter Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.

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

"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.

"Whenever the press discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.

"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."

Injury Challenges Continue

With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury 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 match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.