Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those 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 injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
