Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
