Now is optimal to alter Manchester United's tactical setup - Amorim states.
Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
