Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
