Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
