Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline 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, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
