Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of 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."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
