Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover 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 match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
