Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
