Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
