Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker 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 miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view 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 captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
