Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players 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.
