Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
