Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
