Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
