Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
