Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys 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. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars 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 international competition.
