Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder 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 miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
