Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase 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 miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
