Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. 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. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
