Time is ripe to alter Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager states.
Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.