Time is ripe to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.

Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.

"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.

"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.

"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.

"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."

Squad Challenges Continue

Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.

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

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, 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 job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.