Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit 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 boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
