Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
