Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
