The moment is ripe to alter Man Utd's tactical setup - the manager insists.
Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
