Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot 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.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
