Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
