Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view 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 continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
