Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
