Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured 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 duty.
