Time is optimal to alter Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim declares.

Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.

However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.

"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.

"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.

"Whenever media criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.

"We will grow into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."

Squad Issues Persist

Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.

"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, 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 input.

"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.

"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

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

Recovery Schedule for Injured Players

While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.