Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted 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 continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects 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."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
