Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, 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 leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
