Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
