Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys 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 Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
