Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
