Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the closing stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish 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 switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
