Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars 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 continental competition.
