Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
