Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
