Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
