Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
