Time is ripe to switch Man Utd's formation - the manager declares.
Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch 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."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.