Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys 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 leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
