Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
