Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury 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, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
