Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
