Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. 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 Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
