Time is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - Amorim declares.

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

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.

While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.

"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.

"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.

"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."

Availability Issues Continue

With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Role Endures

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.

"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.