Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
