Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured 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 continental competition.
