Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
