Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
