Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
