Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
