Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock 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 clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.