Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
