Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
