Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation 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 formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
