Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure 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 be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' 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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
