Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury 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, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
