The moment is right to switch Manchester United's formation - the manager declares.
Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. 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. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players 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 duty.