Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal 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 pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. 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. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
