Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
