Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
