Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
