Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms 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 many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
