Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the 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 the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
