Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails 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, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
