Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad 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 are going to become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch 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 leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
