Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held 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 tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow 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, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
