Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
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 following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
