Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
