Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, 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 forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
