Time is ripe to change Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"We were trying to build an style. Today is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.

"Whenever media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.

"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.

"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."

Injury Challenges Persist

With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Recovery Timeline for Injured Players

While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.