Time is ripe to alter Manchester United's system - the manager insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.

Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.

"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.

"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.

"When you talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.

"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.

"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."

Availability Issues Loom Large

With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable 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 fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.

"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.