Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
