Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "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 deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
