Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen 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 declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
