Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
