Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, 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 leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
