Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
