Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when 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 all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
