Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
