Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a 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 constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
