Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
