Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable 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 anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
