The moment is ripe to alter Manchester United's system - the manager declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.

In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.

While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.

"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.

"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.

"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.

"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.

"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.

"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."

Injury Challenges Continue

With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.

He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit 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 pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.

"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Role Endures

However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.

"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects 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 training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

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

Return Schedule for Injured Players

Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.