Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot 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 skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players 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 international competition.
