Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
