Now is right to change Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim declares.
Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.