The moment is optimal to alter Man Utd's system - Amorim insists.

Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.

"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.

"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.

"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.

"When the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.

"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.

"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."

Squad Challenges Persist

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

He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.

That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

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

"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."

Fernandes' Influence Endures

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch 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 leader. The guy is a leader."

Recovery Timeline for Key Players

Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.