Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
