Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects 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
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
