Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
