Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
