Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things 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 Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
