Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
