Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact 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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
