Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However 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
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
