Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, 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 input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys 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 born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
