Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit 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 urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured 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 - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
