Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
