Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
