The moment is optimal to switch Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.

By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.

However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.

"We were trying to build an style. Today is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.

"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.

"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.

"This will help us become a better side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."

Availability Challenges Persist

With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

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

Fernandes' Leadership Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Key Players

While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.