Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails 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 reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
