Manager Ruben Amorim says 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 ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many 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 true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
