Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.