Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off 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 match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
