Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase 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 miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow 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 competition.
