Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, 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 is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
