Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
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, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
