Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit 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 return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
