Time is optimal to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager states.

Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.

While he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.

"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.

"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.

"When the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.

"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.

"We will develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."

Injury Issues Loom Large

Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.

He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That figure will rise if midfielder 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 miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Role Remains

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

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

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - 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 duty.