Time is optimal to switch Manchester United's system - the manager insists.
Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely 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 declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.