Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
