Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players 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 anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - 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.
