Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
