Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
