Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will become a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players 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.
