Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
