Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
