Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
