Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable 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.
