Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of 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 leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
