Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
