Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
