Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
