Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating 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 shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
