Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
