Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
