Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs 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."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
