Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. 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 position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
