Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
