Time is right to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.

"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.

"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.

"When media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

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

"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."

Squad Crisis Persist

With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.

He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

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

The Captain's Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.