Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only 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 personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
