Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
