Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, 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 is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
