Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple 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 knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
