Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - 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 international competition.
