Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot 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 manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
