The moment is ripe to switch Manchester United's tactical setup - the manager declares.
Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable 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 duty.
