Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players 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.
