Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
