Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
