Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
