Time is ripe to change Manchester United's tactical setup - Ruben Amorim declares.
Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.