The moment is right to alter Manchester United's system - the manager insists.
Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
