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

Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.

In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.

Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.

"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.

"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.

"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.

"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.

"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."

Injury Challenges Persist

Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.

He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

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

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.

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

The Captain's Role Endures

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.

"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. 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. The guy is a true captain."

Return Timeline for Injured Personnel

While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.