Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He 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 is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable 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 continental competition.
