Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
