Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view 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 anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise 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, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
