Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit 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 reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback 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 feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
