Time is right to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim states.

Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.

Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

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

"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.

"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.

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

"Whenever the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to change.

"We will develop into a better team because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."

Injury Issues Persist

With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.

He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.

That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.

"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."

The Captain's Role Is Unwavering

Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.

"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."

Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel

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