Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit 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 understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
