Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
