Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
