Time is ripe to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim insists.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.

"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.

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

"When media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.

"We will become a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."

Squad Crisis Loom Large

Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.

He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."

The Captain's Leadership Endures

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Key Personnel

While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.