Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen 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 continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
