Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
