Now is right to change Man Utd's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim states.
Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players 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 opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know 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' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
