Now is ripe to switch Manchester United's system - the manager states.
Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.