Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit 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 understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
