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

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.

However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.

"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.

"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.

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

"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.

"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.

"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.

He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal 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 understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.