The moment is ripe to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim declares.
Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
