Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates 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 silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
