Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock 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, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. 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 true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
