Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
