Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - 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 lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
