The moment is ripe to change Manchester United's system - the manager declares.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.

"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.

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

"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.

"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."

Availability Challenges Continue

Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."

Return Schedule for Injured Players

While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.