Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
