Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
