Time is optimal to change Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.

Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.

However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.

"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.

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

"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to adapt.

"We will develop into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."

Squad Challenges Continue

Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.

He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

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

"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Remains

However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.

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

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.