The moment is right to change Man Utd's system - the manager states.

Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.

"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.

"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.

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

"Whenever media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.

"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.

"This will help us develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."

Injury Issues Continue

With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.

He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already saying 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."

The Captain's Leadership Remains

However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.

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

"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Players

While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.