Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
