Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch 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 is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
