Now is ripe to alter Manchester United's system - Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.

Although he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.

"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.

"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.

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

"Whenever media criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.

"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."

Availability Challenges Loom Large

With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced 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 reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Role Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.

"He 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 speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Key Players

While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.