Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not 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 captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
