Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "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 holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects 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 Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
