Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
