Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise timeline 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, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
