Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, 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 guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured 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 international competition.
