Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas 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 anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
