Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing 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 change.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
