Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off 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, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"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
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
