Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable 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 match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
