Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
