The moment is optimal to alter Manchester United's system - Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.

Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.

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

"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.

"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.

"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."

Injury Crisis Persist

Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."

Fernandes' Leadership Remains

However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch 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 anticipates his leader to continue providing input.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel

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