Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.