Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys 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. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
