Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
