Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock 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, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. 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 desires 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 Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
