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

Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

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

"Whenever you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to evolve.

"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."

Injury Crisis Continue

Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails 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 manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Leadership Remains

However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.

"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Players

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