Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
