Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
