Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, 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 tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's 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 see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.