Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
