Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
