Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, 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 natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
