Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
