Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable 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 competition.
