Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
