Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad 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, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
