Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys 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 Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
