Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
