Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy 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 bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
