Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming 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 among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on 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 speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
