Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
