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

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.

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

"When you discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.

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

"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."

Injury Challenges Continue

Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable 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, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

The Captain's Role Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.

"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Timeline for Key Personnel

While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.