Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said 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 Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
