Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
