Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
