Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker 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, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
