Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
