The moment is optimal to change Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager declares.
Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.