Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
