Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
