Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent 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 positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
