Now is ripe to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Amorim declares.
Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.