Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
