Time is right to switch Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.

"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.

"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.

"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."

Squad Crisis Continue

With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

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

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Return Schedule for Key Players

Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other 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 international duty.