Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
