Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
