Boss 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 moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will become a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch 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 leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
