Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
