Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
