Now is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - the manager declares.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.

Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.

While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.

Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.

"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.

"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.

"When media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.

"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.

"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."

Injury Crisis Persist

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

He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.

"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."

Fernandes' Role Remains

However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.

"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.

"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."

Return Timeline for Key Players

Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.