Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury 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 pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
