Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
