Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring 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. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
