Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
