Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
