Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
