Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
