Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, 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 carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
