Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
