Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
