Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "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 orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover 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 match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
