Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players 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 duty.
