Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We will become a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
