Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - 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 see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
