Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
