Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured 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 captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of 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 true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players 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 international competition.
