Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
