Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
