Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view 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 providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players 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 competition.
