Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things 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 practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
