Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe 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, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
