Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
