Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just 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, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling 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 half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
