Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
