The moment is optimal to alter Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim states.
Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players 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 evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.