Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural 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's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
