Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
