Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
