Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
