Now is optimal to switch Manchester United's system - Ruben Amorim states.
Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. 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 wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.