Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch 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 anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
