Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not 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 skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
