Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
