Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off 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 match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
