The moment is right to change Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.

While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.

"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.

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

"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.

"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring 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. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Endures

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.