Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
