Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow 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 a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
