Now is right to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.

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

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

"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.

"This will help us become a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."

Availability Challenges Loom Large

With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, 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 expects his leader to continue providing input.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

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