Now is ripe to alter Man Utd's system - Amorim declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.

"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.

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

"Whenever you discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.

"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.

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

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."

Return Schedule for Injured Players

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