Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United'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 usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while 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 anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
