Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
