The moment is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - Ruben Amorim declares.
Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox 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 held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
