Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
