Time is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim states.
Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise 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 a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.