Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe 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 born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
