Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe 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 leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
