Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
