Time is right to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - Amorim states.
Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal 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 understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch 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 captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.