Time is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - the manager states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.

For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.

By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.

While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.

However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.

"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.

"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.

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

"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.

"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to evolve.

"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."

Injury Challenges Loom Large

With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.

He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.

That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."

Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering

However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering 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 always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.

"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.

"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."

Return Timeline for Key Players

While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.