Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit 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 pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad 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. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
