Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
