Time is optimal to switch Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.

Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.

However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.

"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.

"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.

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

"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.

"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.

"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."

Squad Challenges Continue

With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.

That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal 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 pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.

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

Fernandes' Influence Remains

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.

"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 always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.

"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."

Return Schedule for Injured Players

Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.