Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with 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 right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
