Now is optimal to switch Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his strategy.

However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.

"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.

"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.

"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.

"We will become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."

Squad Crisis Persist

With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Role Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.