Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
