Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch 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 born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
