Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
