Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
