Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
