Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
