The moment is ripe to change Manchester United's formation - Ruben Amorim states.
Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise 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 a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
