Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails 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 clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
