Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. 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. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - 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 continental duty.
