Now is right to switch Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim declares.
Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
