Time is ripe to change Manchester United's formation - Amorim insists.
Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.