Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
