Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
