Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
