Now is right to switch Manchester United's system - the manager states.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.

However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.

"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.

"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.

"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."

Availability Crisis Loom Large

With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Role Remains

However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.

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

"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel

Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.