Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.