Now is right to change Man Utd's system - the manager insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.

"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.

"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.

"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."

Availability Crisis Persist

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

He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Endures

However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.