The moment is optimal to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim states.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.

"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.

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

"Whenever media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.

"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."

Injury Issues Persist

Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already insisting 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."

The Captain's Leadership Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.