Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"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
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other 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 continental duty.
