The moment is optimal to switch Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim states.
Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
