Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "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.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
