Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
