Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas 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 providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
