Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
