Time is ripe to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim states.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.

"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.

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

"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.

"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."

Injury Crisis Loom Large

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

He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering

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

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.

"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel

While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.