Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
