Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a better team because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable 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 understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
