Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
