Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
