Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
