Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
