Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
