Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
