Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He 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 always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
