Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. 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 born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
