Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless 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 the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
