Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off 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 match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
