Now is ripe to switch Man Utd's system - Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.

However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.

"When the press criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.

"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.

"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Role Remains

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.