Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
