Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot 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 skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
