Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
