Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
