Now is optimal to switch Manchester United's formation - the manager insists.
Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
