Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
