Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe 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 born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
