Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
