Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players 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 continental competition.
