Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe 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. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
