Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny 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 chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys 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 true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
