Now is right to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.

Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.

However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are changing.

"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.

"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.

"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.

"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."

Availability Issues Persist

Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.

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

That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.