Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
